Lead Teams Arrive at Ivakkak’s Mid-way Checkpoint


17_ID_2006More than four hours ahead of his closest rivals, Peter Kiatainaq arrived like the wind this afternoon at the Payne Lake Outfitting Camp, the half-way point on the course of this year’s Ivakkak. The musher, his partner and their dogs all seemed pleased to have reached this resting place earlier than most had expected. Based on their excellent performance to date, Peter’s dogs which have been trained in the mountainous region around Kangiqsujuaq are finding the race’s flat terrain to be a breeze.
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Having departed this morning at 7 a.m., Kiatainaq’s team covered roughly 80 kilometres (50 miles) to arrive at the Payne Lake Outfitting Camp at shortly after 3 p.m. According to the racer, the previous night’s flurries had left a light covering of snow on the trail, slightly slowing the pace his dogs today. Through careful planning for this year’s dogsled race, Kiatainaq is carrying on his sled only the strictest minimum of required equipment. Moreover, he and his partner opted for an ultra-light nylon tent and mummy sleeping bags; their supplies have been packed in Ziploc bags instead of bulky containers; and for their dogs they carry a precisely measured amount of food.

Payne Lake Outfitting Camp, which is located at the east end of Payne Lake, stands roughly half-way between Puvirnituq and Kangirsuk. Under the modified format of Ivakkak 2006, all racers are required to make a 36-hour stop at this point, before continuing on to the race’s finishing line in Kangirsuk.

Next to arrive at the stop-over point today were the teams of Tamusi Sivuaraapik and John Jack Séguin. Not more than a minute separated their arrival in the darkness, at 8 p.m. In fact, Sivuaraapik had begun the day several kilometres behind Séguin and only succeeded in passing his young rival just before sunset. At a point in the trail that arches around an area of exposed rocks, Sivuaraapik and his team decided to shoot straight across the rocks and, in so doing, they were able to slip just in front of Séguin. A rather fine performance for sure for this 64-year-old musher.

John Jack’s team, which had begun their day close to the west end of Payne Lake, covered close to 100 kilometres (60 miles) today. Both the musher and his partner were happy to have made it to the stop-over point where they will take advantage of a well-deserved rest.

Tamusi Sivuaraapik, who is the race’s oldest participant, was one of the driving forces behind the modified format for Ivakkak 2006. This year racers must be completely self-reliant which, in Sivuaraapik’s words, will serve to differentiate the men from the boys. It is interesting to note that on his sled, Sivuaraapik has brought along the puppy of one of his dogs that is still nursing. No doubt, this is but the first Ivakkak for this little pup which in time will take its place with the other dogs ahead of Sivuaraapik’s sled.

According to the reports submitted by Ivakkak’s other racers using their satellite telephones, at the end of the day their positions are roughly as follows: Matthew Nassak is very close to the stop-over point and may yet arrive tonight. Novalinga Novalinga has set up camp on Payne Lake, approximately 40 kilometres (25 miles) from the stop-over point. For their part, Harry Okpik and Willie Cain Jr. are bunkered down a little further behind to the west. Peter “Boy” Ittukallak is camped roughly in the middle of Payne Lake, followed at short intervals by Adamie Inukpuk, Jani-Marik Beaulne, and a group of four teams, specifically the teams of Poasi Kenuajuak, Simeonie Elijasiapik, Jusipi Lucassie and Johnny Arnatuk. Adamie Qumak trails in this year’s event, having reported that he has stopped for the night at the west end of Payne Lake.

This evening temperatures have again fallen below -20°C and there is a wind.

Rank Racer Start Arrival Arrival date Total Time
1. Peter Kiatainaq (#2)
2. Tamusi Sivuaraapik (#15)
3. John Jack Séguin (#8)
4. Harry Okpik (#5)
5. Matthew Nassak (#16)
6. Novalinga Novalinga (#3)
7. Willie Cain Jr. (#6)
8. Peter Ittukallak (#1)
9. Adamie Inukpuk (#4)
10. Jani-Marik Beaulne (#12)
11. Poasi Kenuajuak (#10)
12. Simeonie Elijasiapik (#9)
13. Jusipi Lucassie (#11)
14. Johnny Arnatuk (#14)
15. Adamie Qumak (#7)

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